Some surprises in state races

Stull in trouble, Hough wins big and Rolle still a factor

A bitter primary race ended with a surprising twist when Del. Charles A. Jenkins (R-Dist. 3B) announced he would not support Michael Hough in the general election.

"Michael Hough does not have the ethics or morals I want in my candidate," Jenkins said. "I encourage folks who share my concerns to support Democrat Paul Gilligan."

Hough defeated Jenkins by a 2-1 margin. Jenkins blames his loss, in part, on consistent assaults by Hough, who pounded away at his record as a county commissioner and delegate, often erroneously, Jenkins said.

Hough, who said earlier that Republicans would come together no matter what the outcome, said he was disappointed by Jenkins' position. "I was fully prepared to endorse him if he won. If there's someone you agree with 80 percent of the time, he's your friend, not your enemy. ... It's too bad," Hough said.

Hough led with 2,842 votes to Jenkins' 1,331. Jenkins said he could not compete with Hough's cash and endorsements, but he appreciated those who championed his candidacy.

Appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) in January to fill former Del. Rick Weldon's seat, Jenkins raised about 10 percent of what Hough did and could not match the number of direct mailings and signs Hough sent out.

Stuart Harvey, elections director for Frederick County, said all election results remain unofficial. About 600 absentee ballots will be counted today. Any absentee ballots postmarked Tuesday will be counted on Sept. 22, and provisional ballots will also be counted at a later date, Harvey added.

No Young left behind

Former City of Frederick Mayor Ron Young (D) trailed his opponent when it came to fundraising for the state Senate seat in District 3, according to Maryland Elections Center, but managed to leverage his name and experience to come out a winner over lobbyist Don DeArmon of Frederick.

He and sons Blaine Young (R) and Brad Young made it through the primary with big numbers, with Ron garnering about 65 percent of the vote with 95 percent of precincts reporting. Young had 4,617 votes to DeArmon's 2,410.

The numbers are too close to call in the Republican race for District 4A delegate, but Kathy Afzali and Kelly Schulz lead with 95 percent of the vote reporting.

Afzali, with 3,395 votes, was in the lead, with Kelly Schulz a close second with 3,345 votes, and incumbent Paul S. Stull right behind her with 3,316 votes. Absentee and provisional votes will factor into the race and the candidates are not inclined to celebrate or mourn until every vote's counted.

Top vote-getter Afzali said she's just basking in the short span of time she's in first place, knowing that could change soon. "I truly was the underdog and I can't thank voters enough for giving me their trust and confidence," she said.

Sixteen-year incumbent Del. Paul Stull is wondering what he did wrong that landed him in third place, but is still holding out hope that he makes it back to Annapolis. "Evidently my age is catching up with me," the 74-year-old said.

Not at issue are the losers. Dino E. Flores Jr. was in fourth place with 2,716 votes, and Frederick County Commissioner John "Lennie" Thompson Jr. was in last place with 2,308 votes.

Rolle still a factor

Republican Scott Rolle, who unofficially dropped out of the District 3A Delegate race, may have to make it official if he still does not want the job.

With 95 percent of the votes in, he was 11 votes ahead of Chris Huckenpoehler, with 2,188 votes. Former delegate Patrick Hogan had a comfortable lead with 2,913 votes.

If Rolle emerges victorious after all the votes are in, he will have to officially withdraw from the general election by Oct. 3. His replacement will be chosen by the Frederick County Republican Central Committee.